Israeli Veteran Develops Innovative Aid to Help Disabled Soldiers Walk on Sand

Carmel, a reservist fighter in the Northern Brigade of the Gaza Division, was injured on June 11, 2024, after contracting an infection during reserve duty in the West Bank. The infection caused meningitis and a rare syndrome that impaired his ability to walk, leaving him reliant on crutches and struggling with mobility. He described the difficulty of using crutches on soft sand, which causes them to sink and leads to falls, severely limiting his ability to enjoy simple activities like going to the beach.

Facing bureaucratic challenges in obtaining official recognition as a disabled IDF veteran and accessing proper care, Carmel sought help from the "RESTART" association, which supports injured soldiers through innovation and technology. The association's development team, including members who are themselves disabled veterans, created a specialized engineering solution: wide-diameter rubber bands that increase the crutches' surface area, distributing body weight and preventing sinking in sand.

After testing several prototypes, they finalized an optimal model that provides stability and ease of movement. Carmel described the experience as feeling like "walking on asphalt." This personal solution, named the "Carmel Band," was then expanded into the "Summer Kit," a set of tools designed to facilitate beach outings for many disabled IDF veterans facing similar challenges.

Carmel expressed deep satisfaction that his personal struggle led to a solution benefiting many others. The project gave him a sense of purpose, knowing it will help current and future injured soldiers regain some freedom of movement. Applications for the "RESTART Summer Kit" are now open to eligible veterans.